The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has reiterated its commitment to fostering a free and independent media environment, emphasizing the role of media in democracy and national development. Speaking at a capacity-building workshop for coastal media practitioners at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort in Mombasa, CA Corporation Secretary Lydia Sitienei highlighted the Authority’s dedication to ensuring a thriving broadcasting industry while upholding press freedom.
Sitienei acknowledged that the media plays a crucial role in Kenya’s socio-economic growth, stressing the importance of compliance with legal and licensing frameworks to maintain order and professionalism within the industry. She emphasized CA’s engagement with media stakeholders and civil society to strengthen media freedom and create an enabling environment for investment and job creation in the sector.
The four-day media engagement includes capacity development sessions, followed by site visits to assess Kenya’s Voice Infrastructure and Digital Superhighway projects. This initiative aligns with CA’s strategic stakeholder engagement approach, aimed at fostering progressive regulatory frameworks that enhance collaboration between the media, state organs, and other industry players.
Sitienei underscored the transformative impact of digital platforms, noting that social media channels such as X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube have reshaped content generation and consumption. This evolution has democratized the dissemination of information, necessitating collaborative efforts between governments, platform providers, journalists, and regulators to navigate the new media landscape effectively.
To support innovation, CA has implemented a Regulatory Sandbox framework that allows for controlled testing of emerging ICT products and services, including new broadcasting technologies. However, Sitienei also expressed concern over the sustainability of Kenya’s broadcasting industry, citing job losses and redundancies as key challenges. She encouraged media practitioners to adopt emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and data analytics to remain competitive.
In addition, CA is enhancing digital safety through initiatives like the Child Online Protection program, developed in collaboration with the Department of Children Services, Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association, and the Ministry of Education. This initiative aims to equip children, parents, and teachers with the necessary skills to navigate the digital space safely.
As Kenya transitions to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and prepares for Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB), Sitienei reaffirmed CA’s commitment to fostering a secure digital environment. The Authority continues to work alongside agencies like the Media Council of Kenya, Kenya Film Classification Board, and Kenya Copyright Board to ensure regulatory compliance, transparency, and inclusivity in media operations.
